Food is one essential substance that attracts rapid purchasing order in the commodity markets and this is quite understandable. Yet the source (i.e manufacturer or retailer) we get our food items from and how we get to cook our food determine what we get from the food we eat. Food security issues should not be treated with levity for sole reason that, as food could improve the state of one's health, it could also constitute a menace should we fail to eat right and/or consume contaminated substance.
So, what is Food Security? - According to the United Nations' committee on World Food Security, Food security is defined as 'the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.'
From the definition, it could be said that food security is influenced by agricultural practices, economic and transportation parameters and individual perception and conduct towards food. The World Health Organization posited that there are three pillars upon which food security is set: 'food availability, food accessibility and food utilization': with these in mind, one could surmise that the food security issues cannot be accomplished by just a set of individuals- it should be given great emphasis right from the manufacturer down to the end-user.
Farming and food security
Due to the fact food is key to man's survive, it's scarcity is often greeted with huge disapproval and anxiety. This scarcity has often been complicated by the soil mismanagement and soil nutrients depletion. However, in order to address the problem of nutrients depletion, farmers often introduce fertilizers into the soil. Concerns over food security is brought to the fore because the chemical composition of the fertilizer is picked up by the plants and food crop is then consumed by the end-user [whereby the chemical substance bio-accumulates].
The use of preservatives is yet another cause for concern.
Another major aspect that is worthy of note, is the method of storage and transportation. The nutritional value of food crops is adversely affected through prolonged and/or poor storage and shoddy means of transportation and thus what one ought to get from a meal serving is not attainable.
Culinary techniques and food security
Culinary techniques entail the mode of cooking and the cooking utensils used and these have an impact on the food we eat.
The reaction of heat on certain materials could bring about the emission of residues into our food as it being cooked. For instance; the application of heat on aluminium pot or pan can trigger the release of hydroxide into the food cooking therein and consuming such food can result in stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal disturbance arising from the neutralizing effect of aluminium has on digestive juices.
Furthermore, since the purpose of eating is to get the nutrients- although we are often overwhelmed by the sensation to get filled- one should ensure that food does not get overheated as the active ingredient in some foods get denatured...but since we are eating to get healthy, we have got to work at preserving the nutrient.
Self-discipline is needed
It is not strange to see some persons who love to consume certain vegetables raw without considering washing or cooking it. The truth is that some vegetables, irrespective of the freshness, can still harbour bacterial organisms. Hence, when you get fruits like cabbage, broccoli, asparagus and such like, make sure you do not eat them raw; subjecting them to heat of about 60°c or slightly washing them in salted water would help to advance the safety of the fruit before it is ingested. From the foregoing, it becomes obvious that watchfulness [in area of scrutinizing where he/she buys from and also how he/she prepares and eats the food] on the part of the consumer cannot be overlooked. If no one else [along the supply chain] should consider or care about food security, the consumer should invariably do.